adminLiberty Dube
ONE of the leading tertiary institutions in Zimbabwe, Mutare Polytechnic, raised Manicaland flag high by coming out tops in the Best Training Institution category at the just-ended Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo held in Harare last week. The institution’s stand was stunning and swanky. They exhibited artificial wildlife and a mock serene forest for tourists sending out a clear ecological message of cohabitation between humans and animals.
Bulawayo School of Hospitality and Southern Africa Hospitality trailed the institution and were seated on second and third positions respectively.
The development came at a time when the institution was still in a merry-making mood after scooping the best training institution of the year award in the Tourism and Hospitality Management sector at the recently held Megafest Tourism Awards held in Harare.
Last month, the college had a spring in their step after walking away with the Best Exhibit in Adult Cookery and Best Non-Profit Organisation stand at the recently held Manicaland Agricultural Show.
The college principal, Mr Tobias Kuwengwa, in an interview, said the Tourism and Hospitality Department was the college’s most shiny star. “We continue to excel in all departments especially Tourism and Hospitality. Every year we hold a workshop to strategise and devise ways on how we can become a better institution. Creativity and innovativeness are our core points of interest and we are glad that we are achieving remarkable results,” Kuwengwa said.
“We encourage our students to have practical exposure. This has made our income-generating projects highly successful,” he added.
The college invested about $40 000 in constructing and refurbishing a state-of-the-art guest house situated at the college and it also boasts an affordable and sparkling restaurant called Pandaro, among other tourism ventures in the city. Other organisations who were awarded at the expo were Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe who won the Best Public Institution, Chitungwiza Municipality (Best Publicity Association), Khanondo Safaris (Best Tour Operator) and Rainbow Tourism Group (Best Accommodation).
Air Zimbabwe won in the Best Airline category, while Best First Time exhibitor award went to Hardwood for Africa.
India Tourism Board won the Best International stand.
Khanondo Safaris won the Best Zimbabwe stand, while South Africa’s Thomson Holidays came out tops in the Best Buyers category.
Online Reporter